How many passes does it take to get your mower dirty?

Today was a historical day with Prince William and Princess Kate's wedding.  Don't be fooled or distracted by all of their hoopla (which I enjoyed thoroughly because it was happy news).  I have made copious amounts of historical data myself in the last two days with the purchase and assemblage of a brand new push mower for the Pugh family!  Yes, you heard it here first.  I researched and purchased a mower yesterday and today I assembled it (not that tough), started it successfully (did call my neighbor, Myron, up for support), and mowed my back yard. 

But I did have to chuckle at myself a few times.  After I assembled it in the living room (remember this is my first time and I wasn't sure where to do these things at plus, I was watching the wedding), I took it to the front porch to stand back and admire it.  It is bright red and nice and shiny clean.  If you think back to my spring gardening post you will remember that I really don't like dirty.  And I had a thought of wondering how long I could keep the mower clean.  The mower came complete with oil.  So I followed the instructions to fill it but felt slightly stressed when I dripped some on the shiny red deck.  And I chuckled a little.  I've never, ever felt ownership of a mower before.  And then I thought, "Well, I have a new mower so I need a new gas can". And I was off on the errand. On return, we (cause Logan came out and Myron had arrived) filled the gas tank and started it up.  And that was that.  And then I was off to mow the back yard and with one pass my brand new mower was dirty.  So, Eric, you can come home and take care of the mower..I won't try and keep it too clean or get irritated if you get it dirty.  In fact, I really don't want any ownership in it.  But I did purchase one that has a deck clean feature..you just hook up a hose and turn it on if you want.

So maybe now you have all decided that the world really must be coming to an end if Monica assembled a mower.  Well, don't let the mower convince you.  It has been reported to me by my mother that she had a margarita last weekend with her Mexican dinner! The world must be ending. (sorry, mom, don't tell on yourself to a daughter who blogs)  So It has been a history making week for many including my mom. And I was very thankful for the enchanting royal story to entertain me.  I would much rather be enjoying the girly-girl things like a royal wedding or drinks with some girlfriends than assembling a mower in the future. But I will never forget where I was or what I was doing the day that William and Kate tied the knot.  Cheers! (now if my prince would just hurry home.....)

Gotta love a soldier who would wear his wife's heart signature on his helmet.....

God Bless,
Love,
Monica

Choices

The last few weeks have been very difficult emotionally and mentally with the news of three fallen Iowa soldiers and many more injured.  It was with a very heavy heart that I pulled our flag to half-mast yet again this morning.  This last soldier, James Justice, was a part of the 1-113th CAV which is Brady's troop.  And while I know their hearts are all heavy I also know that they will carry on in his honor in true cavalry spirit. 

While adjusting my flag, I was reminded that my life is full of choices.  The choice to be patriotic, informed, kind, honest, spiritual, happy, political, neighborly, genuine, in love...these are all mine to choose and I am so thankful for the freedom to do so.  They all aren't just feelings I have they require action from me.  I will admit  Eric has always taken care of our flags in every house we have lived.  The very first thing he did when we moved into this house was to hang his flag and spotlight it.  We were fortunate to move into a house with a pole in the ground, albeit on the wrong side of the sidewalk.  But I think I have always considered it his flag up until this last month.  I have changed the bulb in his light twice since he left and the whole time I was changing it I was thinking about how thankful I was to be taking care of his flag.  Except this morning I thought to myself...I am really thankful Eric made it so easy for me to raise and lower our flag so that I could honor these fallen heroes by lowering it..not just taking it down.  I thanked him during our chat time and I know he was thankful (but somewhat surprised) that I was making sure our flag was being flown appropriately.

I grew up next to my dad's parents; my paternal grandparents.  And I watched my grandfather put up and take down his flag every day.  I never thought much about it when I was a kid.  It was what he did and I took it for granted.  But I realize now he was making a choice to be patriotic on a daily basis. 

I often have people comment on how they don't know how I do it or that I am very strong to handle deployment.  Well, I can tell you that I am not always strong but I do it because I have the choice to do so.  I could get up every morning and whine and complain or I can dig my heels in and make the choice to do it.  I choose to do it because my family members chose to serve...not just my husband and son but my father, as well.  

Today all of our military personnel choose to serve so that we enjoy our freedoms... to celebrate Easter, to have a party, to ride in RAGBRAI, to spend the day hanging at the mall or with friends, to grill out, to garden, to sit on the couch and read a book.....anything.   SSG James Justice was one of those soldiers who chose to go on his fourth mission and serve his country so that I could choose to hang our flag everyday.  Please remember to keep our fallen soldiers families in your prayers as they go through these difficult times.

May God continue to protect our freedom for choices.

http://www.usa-flag-site.org/etiquette.shtml

God Bless,
Love,
Monica

Spring is springing

I am sitting here today, finally inspired to write after quite a dry spell, with tears and an anxious heart but also feeling the excitement of the season.

We are seeing signs of spring all around us which means the last season is upon us before my first soldier returns home.  The crocuses are no longer blooming while the golden forsythia and the magnolia trees are in full bloom.  And I'm anxiously waiting for the red buds to burst open with their beautiful color and the crab apples to lend their various shades to this time of year.  I wouldn't know these things or probably be as passionate about them except that my husband taught me to be that way. I am so happy this last season has arrived and I am so sad he is not here to share it with me.  Brady shares equally in his dad's passion and I will miss his hard labor in the yard this spring, too.

One of Eric's and my favorite spring activities is visiting all the garden centers and picking out our annuals and choosing a few new perennials to add to our collection.  I am very thankful for Melody who shares the same passion and enjoys this activity, as well.  Melody and I (in lieu of any good garage sales to attend) made our first trek to Groth's Gardens last Saturday to check things out.  And while there, I was faced with the realization that if I am to have annuals this year I will have to actually get dirty!  I love picking the plants and the wonderful colors.  Eric loves mixing the soil and digging them in...I will miss him and Brady playing in the dirt this spring.  But I will buy gloves so when they return the yard will sport some beautiful colors.

While we are here enjoying the emergence of warmer days and all the things higher temps bring, our soldiers (from what I understand) are experiencing increased enemy activity with warmer temps.  I know this brings anxiety with the anticipation of gearing down as many of our soldiers are preparing to return home. And yet they all need to stay as alert and aware as ever because their journey is not over.

We have evidence this week of this activity with the loss of two Iowa soldiers. As time has passed and tour ends draw closer, it has been easier to feel slightly more relaxed at times for me.  I have had people comment on how close their homecomings are and we all breathe a sigh of relief together.  But all of our soldiers still need our prayers.  We need to persevere and stand aware until they all return home. 

So while you work in the yard or enjoy a spring soccer game, remember all of our soldiers as they anxiously anticipate the end of their tours.  And say an extra prayer for the families who have lost their soldiers this week.

God Bless,
love,
Monica

Only one constant for me

After Brady was born, he was jaundiced like many babies.  My mom and I took him home to Eric's and my apartment.  We enjoyed every peaceful moment with him while we held him near the window in the sunshine.  The whole process of becoming a mother for the first time was incredibly amazing to me.  But I particularly remember looking down at him and seeing the sunshine highlight the teeny tiny vessels and veins in his ears.  It was at that moment that I truly realized that something else was in contol of this world and my baby didn't just happen but was created by God.

Most of you know that I have had trial after trial during the last few months.  We are unfortunately not unfamiliar with trials in our lives. Everyone goes through trials. But it just seems that everything that could possibly go wrong while Eric is serving has gone wrong.  I have had more car issues that I can remember in 25 years of marriage.  In fact, I can talk a pretty good car lingo now which is something I never aspired to do.  I would have never imagined that I would have a fire in my house during deployment or that my furnace would break down not once, but twice.  If you remember, I only received the "how to change the furnace filter instructions" pre-deployment. 

The one thing I thought I would never have to think twice about was my new Ford Edge that Eric bought for me before he left for just that reason....no stess, no thought..just a nice car to drive while he was gone.  But amazingly enough I have learned that even those earthly things you think you can trust are still just that; earthly things.  My car has now been in the shop for the third time since the accident.  I can't tell you how shocked I was as they towed my car away on Monday evening.  But as I watched with sadness, I started to think of how perfect God's timing was in all of it.  I had just gone through my planner and decided to keep all of my phone numbers to my insurance agent, Noble Ford, and Enterprise.  I had also taken my planner with me to run my errands which is something I don't normally do.  I dropped Ayden at the gym and proceeded to Breedings to get a quart of paint mixed and that is where I decided to idle while I talked to my sister.  Had I not sat and idled my car wouldn't have had the chance to heat up and explode like it did.  I quickly shut off my car, reached for my planner, and called Noble Ford who was still open for one hour.  They sent out a tow truck and my car was gone by 6pm.  If I had decided to exercise first, Noble Ford and Breedings both would have been closed.  And I still would have been unaware and would have taken off on our trip Friday with a car that had no fans to cool the engine.  I can't put everything to coincidence.  I was not in charge of my timing, God was.

 There are things that happen that forever change your heart.  I can't imagine how the people of Japan feel.  What I have experienced is miniscule compared to what they are going through.  So while it has been difficult and I've shed some quiet tears as I've climbed into bed at night, I continue to realize my one constant in my life: my faith in God and in my Savior Jesus Christ.  Nothing changes for me in this aspect ever on a daily basis and I always know He is the only constant for me even in light of the disaster in Japan.  Whether big disasters or life's daily trials, if life didn't have them would we look to God for any reason? 

Psalm 20:8 Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the Lord our God.

Love,
Monica

Prayer requests:
1)Please pray for my car to be fixed and for travel safety this weekend.
2)Pray for peace of mind for Eric and Brady as they try and finish these last few months.
3)Pray for Eric's fellow soldier who was evacuated with suspected Malaria.  All of the soldiers overseas take medication daily to prevent them from contracting the disease.  Pray for protection for all of them.
4)Please pray for protection for our family from any further trials at this time. 

How to Renew Your Driver's License

This deployment has been  riddled with how-to lessons for me.  I have learned how to remove a large limb from a large tree and I have learned how to act quickly and put out a fire.  I even have learned more big words about car repairs than I ever want to know.  But over the last two days I learned how to renew your driver's license the long way.

We were all very sad to see more snow after having everything melt away.  But despite the weather, Ayden still had his pops concert Thursday night.  So we headed to the school, parked my car on the street like usual, and joined all the others jr. high families for an hour of never-to-be-forgotten entertainment. 

Except I didn't get to see much of the concert.  I was tapped on the shoulder from behind and told my car had been hit and the cops were outside.  I actually went out in a very calm manner...because at this point how else was I to be?  A car had slid, another car swerved and hit the parked car in front of me and that parked car hit the front end of my car.  Okay.  Stupid snow.  Cops did their job and information was taken and police report was given.

I called my insurance company promptly in the morning.  I told them it appeared to just be front bumper damage because that's what I was told and all parties involved were reported and documented.  I went to work an hour later and received calls from Enterprise and the Ford dealership on my way.  And right after my shift, I headed out to get the estimate in the next town.

Upon inspection, the collision guy noticed almost immediately I had a transmission fluid leak.  It was red fluid.  So he took it into the shop where they pronounced it non-driveable!  The transmission cooler thing-a-ma-whatsahoochey (that's one of the big words I've learned) was cracked from the hit.  Apparently, in my Edge there are a lot of things down low there in the front that are easily damaged in a collision.  I tried very hard to keep my composure.  But after everything that has happened this year, I did get a little choked up.  But I recovered and while we waited for the Enterprise guy, I chatted with the collsion guy and receptionist about the deployment, etc.  I also mentioned it would be really nice if my rental car was a Ford Mustang!

Will arrived.  We're on a first name basis now.  He's the Enterprise guy.  He took my license.  I asked him what he brought me.  He said, "An HHR".  What is that? He took my military ID.  And then he said, "Well, I can't rent you this car because you are not a full-time military member and your driver's license is expired".  What?  *!x*? Not only was it expired, it was almost a year expired! I would possibly have to take the test!  The other three of us in the office were silent.  It's 3 o'clock on a Friday afternoon.  I have to work at five.  I am 25 miles from my home with no vehicle and no valid driver's license.  You just can't make this stuff up.

Collision guy suggested a trip to the driver's license station considering we were in the county seat and he called to make sure they were open.  They were until 4:30pm.  So Will, just like the Enterprise commercials we see on TV, took me to the Driver's License station.  We chatted a bit on the way.  We arrived quickly and there was no line.  I said I needed to get my license renewed.  She looked at my old one.  She said, "You made it just in time..you were close".  I said, "What does that mean?"  She said, "You don't have to take the test."  And I cheered and said to Will, "I don't have to take the test"!  Woohoo!  And then Will said, "Do you mind if I get mine renewed, too"?  And I said, "Nope.  Go right ahead.  This is making for a great story and you are going in my blog"!  So Will and I made a memory...I don't think I'll ever forget this how-to lesson in driver's license renewal. 

BTW..they don't let you smile..I looked pissed on my new picture.  Funny since I was actually laughing.  And an HHR is a Chevy flexfuel vehicle and I am not impressed and really miss my Edge.  Her name is Genesis and I'm sure she is really lonely.  HHR doesn't talk to me either like Genesis.  We'll see you soon Sis...and it will be another new beginning for her and us...which is how she got her name in the first place.

God Bless,
Monica

Prayer Request
1) Pray for Eric to continue to adjust after an arduous 10-day trip half-way around the world. 
2) Praise and thanks for time well-spent with Brady for spending his birthday with him.  He hasn't been around on his birthday for many years so we'll spoil him for the day today.
3) Praise for one more testing of my wisdom and knowledge.  But maybe we should pray for things to stop before my head explodes with too much wisdom and knowledge.  Not sure how much more I can take.
4) Praise and thanks for time never stopping and melting snow..two things we continually look forward to as they work together..God is good and spring is on the way.
5) Pray they find everything wrong with my car and fix it in a timely fashion.
6) Praise for Will the Enterprise guy and the Noble Ford people who were such helpful strangers in a very stressful moments!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Payback can be fun

I haven't written for quite awhile.  Not because I haven't had anything to write about..I think I've probably had too much to write about and I just couldn't choose.  I have also been very busy with visitors.  :)  And the kitchen clean up really took some time.  I had been working on this entry about my boys as a little payback..but I'm probably just fueling the fire as I'm sure I'll leave my facebook logged on yet again.

My sweet boys... I can't believe time has passed so quickly.  It seems like just yesterday I was taking a ball of boys everywhere.  Well, it just seemed like that because with five of them all together they were just really busy...they were good boys..just busy all the time no matter where we went.  And they couldn't really leave each other alone which is why I felt like I was toting along a ball of boys.    But this picture is for them since they can't seem to leave my facebook status alone.  And, yes, I dressed them alike as often as I could and THEY LOVED IT!!

This one isn't payback but I had to include it.. it's one of my favorite pictures I took one afternoon on a whim.  It was summer time.  I love their dirty little feet and hands in contrast to Ayden's sweet baby feet and hands.  And I love how they have Eric's feet and my pinky fingers.  This was back when I could still sort their socks and knew whose was whose.  Socks remain my nemesis in this house.  However, we no longer have a sock basket to dig through.

And then there are times when I just need back up in this house with all of the male-ness and military stuff going on around me... that's when a snowwoman comes in handy...and yet another great way to payback the boys for all of their shenanigans and fun they have with me.  I'm sure someday, when they have their own children, I will hear them telling about how grandma used to embarrass them when they were teens by building a snowwoman complete with boobs and a booty in the yard.  Just for the record, I have only built one snowwoman ever in their lifetime.  Because I'm sure they will embellish and grow the story.

We received quite a surprise on Sunday when we were able to pick Brady up for his leave and all be together for a couple of hours.  We used the self-timer on Eric's camera to get this picture of us all.  I wish I could post all the pictures of the progression to get just this one good one!

And while just a couple days ago we were all together, Eric and I said good-bye yet again this morning.  I am really thankful God timed their visits so they could tag-team.  It 
made Eric's leaving a little easier..not much..but a little. 

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers.  It really blesses our family to know we are supported by so many!  More to come soon!

Love,
Monica

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Angels and baking soda

I am finally to the point this evening where I am able to write about last night.  I debated writing about it at all but I decided it could be a huge reminder and learning moment for all of my family and friends. 

Eric has always told me I have a very intense gut instinct.  We haven't always followed it but we have learned to follow it.  For the last couple of months I have been having fire moments.  I don't know what else to call them.  Ayden and I worked with his window and fire escape ladder a couple of months ago.  I had checked smoke alarms in September.  Ayden has been busy watching Mythbusters which prompted me to place a very large opened box of baking soda under the sink. And I've been having funny candle moments where I just decided to blow them out in the house, including the one we have kept lit for Eric and Brady in a very safe location.  Christmas morning Ayden had lit a candle for mood lighting, I guess, and Logan had set something too close which really frightened me.  But still all was well.

Brenden and Sarah came for Christmas day and stayed over to Sunday.  After they left in the late afternoon we all relaxed and I fell promptly asleep.  Logan went to work and Laramy went to a white elephant party.  I woke up and watched a movie.  When Logan came home around 10:15, he was hungry so he lit the oven for bacon.  And at 10:30ish Ayden headed to bed but a short time later came down for a drink and stopped in my room.  He asked me if I smelled 'that'.  And within just a minute he was yelling fire.  I ran downstairs to the kitchen to find Logan with the fire extinguisher and flames shooting out of the stove to the ceiling and thick choking smoke filling the room.  I can only tell you that what happened in the next few seconds was guided by God.

I flew around the island and grabbed the box of baking soda from the already open cupboard and proceeded to fling it with apparent perfect aim at the fire.  It dropped down immediately and I aimed twice more and then blew with all my might at the remaining small fire.  Laramy and Ayden had gathered the dogs and were on the deck and Logan shot it with one last shot with the fire extinguisher.  I grabbed my land line and called 911.  We had gotten the fire out but the house was full of toxic smoke.  And within a few minutes three of our local firemen were standing in my kitchen and taking charge.  I had also called Melody out of complete fear and panic and she came running over too. 

We are fine.  No one was injured.  I only lost my range.  The front melted right in front of my eyes.  There was no structural damage to the kitchen just a lot of soot clean up to do.  Had I not had the baking soda or my land line things would have been completely different. 

So here are some things to think about.  Everyone is getting rid of their land lines and I have considered it. But when I took off running I left my cell on my bed.  If I hadn't had the soda and no land line, I would have had no way to call.  And as fast as it went up and if I had to run to my neighbors or back upstairs I would have lost the kitchen if not more. 

Many of you keep soda by your stove.  If my soda would have been there, I wouldn't have been able to get to it.  And this was a grease fire.  By the grace of God, the firemen said I couldn't have done a more perfect job...I did not plan for this in anyway..it all just happened this way.  God has perfect timing and, apparently, aim.

So I ask all of you to please check your fire extinguisher location.  Go out and buy one or two boxes of large baking soda for under the sink or at least away from your stove.  Double check your smoke detectors.  The one I have by the kitchen did not go off and should have.  It had a new battery.  It just didn't work anymore.  Your test button tests the battery function..not the function of your smoke detector.  If you teach your children to cook, teach them how to put out a fire.  I was very proud of Logan getting the fire extinguisher to work. Then sit down with your family and make sure they know a plan and where the extinguisher and soda are located. Reconsider a land line.  When I called, she knew my location. 

I am so thankful for God's protection and his angels around me and the boys.  He guided Ayden to the kitchen at just the right moment.  I am also so thankful to the firemen who arrived, checked us all out, and cleared out our house of smoke.  And also to my two neighbors who have been helping me out so much, Rich and Myron, by unhooking my burned up stove and replacing my smoke detector.  They have been so helpful and kind to our family in many ways since Eric left.

Psalm 91:11 For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

God Bless,
Love,
Monica

1)Praise for our safety and no real damage.
2)Praise and thanks for homeowners insurance even with a deductible.
3)Pray I find the right stove in my price range.
4)Praise for Eric and Brady's Christmas time together and safe travels for Eric.